Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: sulfinpyrazone
BRAND NAME: Anturane
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Sulfinpyrazone is a class of
medications that cause excretion of uric acid in the urine.
Accordingly,
it is used in the treatment of elevated blood uric acid
(hyperuricemia)
and to lower blood uric acid in patients with gout.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 100mg; Capsules: 200mg.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Sulfinpyrazone is used to reduce
elevated blood
uric acid levels in patients with gout in order to prevent
recurrent
attacks of arthritis. It can also help to dissolve the hard
deposits of
uric acid crystals (tophi) in patients with the tophaceous form
of gout.
DOSING: Should be taken with food, milk or antacids.
Patients
taking long-term sulfinpyrazone should drink plenty of fluids
to minimize
the risk of uric acid kidney stones.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Sulfinpyrazone can aggravate peptic
ulcer
disease and is avoided in patients with this condition. It is
also avoided
in patients with a history of sensitivity to Butazolidin or
with serious
blood disorders. In patients with gouty arthritis, attacks this
medication
can worsen the attacks. Therefore, it is not started until
after the
attack has subsided. To avoid a recurrence of gout, while
sulfinpyrazone
is initiated, colchicine is often added. Aspirin products can
interfere
with sulfinpyrazone's effects. Sulfinpyrazone can enhance the
action of certain
diabetes medicines, such as Diabinese, resulting in abnormally
low blood
sugars.
PREGNANCY: Sulfinpyrazone is avoided, when possible,
during pregnancy.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of sulfinpyrazone are
uncommon and
usually mild. The most frequent adverse reactions involve
stomach upset.
Accordingly, combining the drug with food, milk or antacids is
advised.
Sulfinpyrazone, however, can cause kidney pain and uric acid
kidney
stones. Rarely, it has caused severe anemias.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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